Mayer: Indiana State-NCAA Tournament Bound?

I'll start this off by saying a whole lot of the college basketball season is remaining. There are only so many teams that have their names already sharpied into brackets. Indiana State is far from a guarantee, but the likelihood of an at large bid increased greatly with a phenomenal victory at Wichita State.

Courtesy ISU Athletics

The Shockers were the #15 team in the country, had recently taken over the top spot in the Missouri Valley Conference, and had won 19 straight games at home. Coming in, it looked like a chance for ISU to claim a season altering victory. The Sycamores showed up big time and played their gritty brand of basketball to perfection (with the help of a 2-3 zone that stopped the Shockers from getting inside often).

Put it this way, if the season ended today I would fully expect the Sycamores to get in. They may be one of the last four teams in, but that will do. Indiana State is in third place in the MVC with a 14-7 (7-3) record. They're only a half game behind Creighton and one game behind Wichita State with games at the Hulman Center remaining against both teams.

I've said this before; Indiana State is two different squads depending on the intensity level they bring to games. That is a cliche often used in sports, but it could not be more true with this Sycamores team. Simply put, they are not talented or mature enough to win tough games without playing a relentless style. However, when they attack on defense, out hustle the other team, and play with physical tenacity, the opposition is often worn down.

Courtesy ISU Athletics

This can be seen from looking at some of the games ISU has won and lost. The Sycamores have impressive victories over Top 25 teams in Miami and Ole Miss (neutral court) and Wichita State (road). Indiana State is 39th in RPI. When deciding the tournament teams, wins against Top 25 teams are huge...away from home is even more important. The Sycamores strong RPI also greatly helps their cause. ISU stuck with Creighton and San Diego State in losses as well.

On the other hand, the Sycamores lost at Illinois State and SIU, two teams that are not as close to as good as Indiana State. Although, the Redbirds were picked high in the MVC pre-season, they have not panned out as expected.

Despite those losses, it is clear the Sycamores are for real. They have the ability to play with the top teams in the country and if they execute their brand of basketball, it's difficult to beat them. Eight games remain for Indiana State to prove themselves worthy of a shot in the big dance.

Courtesy ISU Atheltics